Health and wellbeing – Page 298 – The NEN

Organ Donation: it’s time to talk

A woman who gave her mother a second chance at life by donating her kidney has spoken of the importance of people within black, Asian and other minority ethnic communities discussing organ donation ahead of World Kidney Day (12 March 2020).

Syma Shahzad, 40, who donated to mum Anees Haq in 2008, shared how she was challenged about her decision due to conflicting beliefs and knowledge within her community, and encouraged people to think about what they would want to happen and discuss it with family.

Syma, who works as a pharmacist in Glasgow, added her support to the awareness drive ahead of World Kidney Day, as statistics show the proportion of patients from minority ethnic communities in Scotland on transplant waiting lists has gradually increased over the past two years.

In March 2020, 10.5 per cent of those on the active waiting lists for a transplant from a deceased donor were recorded as being from a minority ethnic group, compared to 9.2 per cent in March 2018.

Statistics show that in the last five years, around half as many families of minority ethnic eligible donors supported organ donation after their loved one’s death, compared with the families of white eligible donors.

People from black and Asian communities are more likely to develop conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes and certain forms of hepatitis than white people, which increases the likelihood of them needing a transplant¹.

A kidney transplant is more successful if the donor and recipient share the same ethnicity.

Worried about the impact of dialysis on her mother’s life after she was diagnosed with chronic kidney disease in 2007, Syma raised the possibility of her donating her kidney.

A healthy person can lead a completely normal life with one kidney, and a kidney from a living donor generally offers the best outcomes for patients living with kidney failure who need a transplant.

Syma said: “From the outset, our consultant at the Glasgow Royal Infirmary was fabulous. He helped us progress everything as quickly as possible so we could make sure the transplant went ahead before my mum had to start dialysis. I had the first tests in March 2008, and successfully donated my kidney to her in the October of that year.

“Being Muslim, there’s a lot of stigma attached to organ donation. I believe I wasn’t doing anything to put myself in danger, I was simply helping give my mother a better quality of life. For me that was the ultimate decider.

“My belief is that whatever your time is destined to be, your time will be; but whatever you can do to improve that quality of life is essential.

“Within our community, there are so many challenges around mindset and conflicting religious knowledge. I was very headstrong and wouldn’t let anyone dissuade me from doing this. With Asian people being at a higher risk of diabetes, and the associated kidney problems, I would love to see more people considering donation.

“I would encourage anyone who’s unsure about their stance on organ donation to sit down and consider what would happen if it was someone in your family who needed a transplant. Having been through it with my mother, if I could I’d do the same for anyone else in that situation.”

From Autumn 2020, the law around organ and tissue donation after death is set to change to an opt-out system. This means that if people aged 16 and over have not recorded a decision about donation, they will be considered as a possible donor when they die, unless they are in one of the excluded groups.

Jen Lumsdaine, Lead Nurse for Living Donation Scotland said: “Patients from black and minority ethnic backgrounds who need a kidney transplant tend to wait longer due to a shortage of donors.

“As Syma’s story illustrates, living donation can ensure a better outcome for the patient, and dramatically reduce the time a loved one has to spend on dialysis.

“Choosing to donate a kidney remains an exceptional gift, and living donation will continue to be vital part of continuing to improve transplant numbers when opt-out legislation is introduced, so more lives can be saved and transformed.”

To find out more about living donation visit livingdonationscotland.org

National No Smoking Day

People who quit smoking are likely to feel the benefits in a few days and hearing about other people’s success can really help to motivate quitters.

On National No Smoking Day, Gemma Davidson, Health Information Advisor at NHS 24, describes how support from NHS Inform helped her successfully quit smoking:

Gemma, from Clydebank, said: “High cholesterol runs in my family, and after having my children I started to take statins to help lower my levels. I was told that after 6 months my levels were not lowering enough. This gave me a wee scare, and having smoked on and off for 19 years I decided to make a determined attempt to quit.

‘Having recently started at NHS 24, I had a look at the materials on NHS Inform which recommended trying nicotine replacement therapies when first quitting. These were extremely useful as I had an upcoming long haul flight to Australia which would have previously been a struggle without the opportunity for a smoke break. I had my last cigarette on the 8^th of October 2019 at Heathrow airport- believe it or not, it tasted horrible!

‘Having the NHS Inform resources for support over the coming months was great, I was able to try out some of the suggested tips on breathing and relaxation techniques which helped with my anxiety and my cravings, and got me into some healthier habits. I could also refer to the materials online to remind me of my reasons for quitting!

‘I am 5 months into my quit attempt, and (although there have been times where I really really wanted one!) I have not had another cigarette. I don’t see myself as a non-smoker just yet but I am confident that will change with time.”

Dr Laura Ryan, NHS 24’s Medical Director, said: “It’s no secret that smoking remains the leading cause of preventable health issues in Scotland. Whether you’re ready to stop, just beginning to think about it, or are just looking for information, NHS Inform can help; links to local and free services, access to quit packs, and tips on what to do to manage cravings.

“There’s also resources on reasons for stopping, including a savings calculator which is a great push to put down the cigs. Quitting is tough but our advice and information can increase your chances of stopping for good.”

The number of estimated smokers in Edinburgh and the Lothians has risen for the first time in seven years.

In Edinburgh the number of estimated smokers has gone up from 65,818 to 66,550 in the last year, in Midlothian from 14,520 to 14,698, in West Lothian from 26,618 to 26,762 and in East Lothian from 16,176 to 16,299.

Cancer Research UK have published their Scotland Smoking Prevalence Briefing, (attached), which highlights that smoking is a leading cause of preventable disease and premature death in Scotland, with around over 5,700 cases of cancer each year are linked to smoking.

New research by Cancer Research UK indicates that Scotland will not achieve its smoke-free ambition by 2034 if current smoking prevalence trends continue.

A number of actions have been set by Cancer Research UK to reach average smoking prevalence of 5% by 2034 in Scotland, including increased funding for national smoking cessation campaigns.

Spending on smoking cessation campaigns by SNP Ministers has been sporadic over the last seven years with spending fluctuating between £588,230 in 2015/16 to £55,223 last year.

Lothian MSP, Miles Briggs, is calling for consistent funding for smoking cessation campaigns to encourage smokers to quit. Briggs, theScottish Conservative Health Spokesperson, said: “In Edinburgh and the Lothian’s we have seen the number of people who are giving up smoking stall, with the estimated number of smokers on the rise.

“Smoking is still one of the leading preventable causes of cancer with thousands of Scots dying every year from Smoking related diseases.

“Funding spent on preventative measures could save Scottish tax payers millions of pounds every year with smoking related diseases costing NHS Scotland hundreds of millions of pounds.

“SNP Ministers must ensure consistent funding for smoking cessation campaigns to encourage people to give up smoking and get Scotland back on track to be Smoke Free by 2034.”

Marion O’Neill, Cancer Research UK’s head of external affairs in Scotland, said: “This new analysis suggests that Scotland is not on track to achieve its 2034 smoke-free target which is a concern.

“Indeed, if the Scottish Government is to achieve this welcome ambition and improve the nation’s health, much more needs to be done to accelerate progress.

“Smoking has a catastrophic impact on health. It’s enormously addictive and difficult to quit so more needs to be done to ensure people know about the support available to give up.”

Find out more at: https://www.nhsinform.scot/healthy-living/stopping-smoking

GoFitba kicks off this Friday

Local children from Forthview Primary School are to have the opportunity to participate in an exciting 12-week community project delivered by The Scottish Football Partnership Trust and The Spartans Community Football Academy.

GoFitba is a free to access football-based health and wellbeing project for Primary schoolchildren developed by The Scottish Football Partnership Trust and delivered by community football clubs.

The project aims to support the Curriculum for Excellence’s Health and Wellbeing outcomes as set out by The Scottish Government’s Schools (Health Promotion and Nutrition) (Scotland) Act 2007.

Through a fun and progressive structure and delivery, the weekly two-hour project offers young children a platform of regular and fun physical activity and an understanding of the importance of leading a balanced and healthy lifestyle through diet and nutrition.

The project also aims to increase the young people’s self-motivation, improve their self-confidence, further develop their social and interpersonal skills and improve their general self-esteem.

The project timetable provides one structured afternoon per week and takes a holistic approach to teach the children the benefits of regular physical activity within a football environment.

The youngsters participate in an hour of fun football activity, and during the second hour of each session they take part in an interactive educational journey to explore the benefits of leading a healthy lifestyle through diet and nutrition. Each session ends with the children being served a hot, healthy meal and an opportunity to enjoy some social time with their peers.

Stuart McCaffrey, Chief Operating Officer at The SFP Trust said “The sport of football when used positively can act as a significant tool for personal and community development.

“We are excited to be delivering this project with (name of club) – a club truly at the heart of the community – and to be given the opportunity to positively engage with local school children to encourage them towards a healthy and active lifestyle.”

Douglas Samuel of The Spartans Community Football Academy said: “We are delighted to be working in association with The SFP Trust on this project which will see The Academy welcome 20 local schoolchildren over the next 12 weeks.

“Spartans Community Football Academy is always looking for new ways to engage with the local community and the GoFitba project is a fantastic way to showcase what we can offer to young members of our community at our excellent facilities here at the Academy.

“Participation in sport can bring a lifetime of benefits and we look forward to working with the children from Forthview Primary School to Get Fit, Get Healthy and Have Fun!”

Johnson statement on Coronavirus

Prime Minister Boris Johnson made the following statement yesterday …

This morning I chaired a meeting of the government’s COBR emergency committee on the Coronavirus outbreak.

The First Ministers of Scotland and Wales and the First Minister and deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland also attended and we agreed to continue to work closely in the weeks and months ahead.

We received a detailed briefing from the Chief Medical Officer and the Chief Scientific Advisor. And again I repeat my gratitude to both Chris and to Patrick.

There have now been four deaths from coronavirus in the UK, and our deepest sympathies are obviously with their friends and families.

Our action plan as you know sets out the four phases of our approach to tackling the virus: Contain, Delay, Research, and Mitigate.

We remain in the Contain phase of the outbreak, but watching what is happening around the world, our scientists think containment is extremely unlikely to work on its own, and that is why we are making extensive preparations for a move to the delay phase.

We are preparing various actions to slow the spread of this disease in order to reduce the strain it places on the NHS. The more we can delay the peak of the spread to the summer, the better the NHS will be able to manage.

Patrick and Chris will give you some more detailed information on the latest advice we are giving the public today – and how we expect that advice to change as the outbreak develops.

As things stand I’m afraid it bears repeating that the best thing we can all do is wash our hands for 20 seconds with soap and water.

We will also take questions, because I know there are lots of things the public want to hear from our advisors about.

But before that I want to stress the following things:

First, we are doing everything we can to combat this outbreak, based on the very latest scientific and medical advice.

Second, we have a truly brilliant NHS, where staff have responded with all the determination, compassion and skill that makes their service so revered across the world. And they will continue to have this government’s full support, my support, in tackling this virus on the frontline.

Third, we will set out further steps in the days and weeks ahead to help people protect themselves, their family and in particular the elderly and vulnerable.

And finally, while it is absolutely critical, it’s absolutely critical in managing the spread of this virus that we take the right decisions at the right time, based on the latest and best evidence. So we must not do things which have no or limited medical benefit, nor things which could turn out to be counterproductive.

There is no hiding from the fact that the coronavirus outbreak will present significant challenges for the UK, just as it does in other countries.

But if we continue to look out for one another, to pull together in a united and national effort, I have no doubt that we can and will rise to that challenge.

And I’m now going to ask Patrick and then Chris to give their own perspective on where we are …

Briggs: Alcohol and Drug Partnerships need more support

Figures released last week show that the number of patients treated for cocaine use at Alcohol and Drug Partnerships in Edinburgh and the Lothians has quadrupled over the last five years, from 64 in 2013/14 (5%) to 273 in 2018/19 (17%).

The number of patients being treated for heroin use has decreased over the last five years, form 601 in 2013/14 (42%) to 566 in 2018/19 (36%).

Heroin remains the drug which the highest number of patients are treated for in Lothian ADPs, followed by Cannabis 301 (19%) and then Cocaine 273 (17%) which has overtaken Diazepam.

In Lothian there are three Alcohol and Drug Partnerships – Edinburgh, West Lothian and Lothian Mid and East ADP.

Conservative Lothian MSP Miles Briggs has been campaigning for improvement to Alcohol and Drug Partnerships in Lothian, which have longer waiting times than in other Scottish health boards. Trouble recruiting staff has been one of the reasons highlighted for longer waiting times in Lothian.

Last year Miles Briggs, who is the Tory health spokesman at Holyrood, criticised Edinburgh Integration Joint Board for withholding £1.4 million in funds, for over a year, that were allocated for substance misuse services.

Scotland has the highest drug rate in the European Union and both the Scottish and UK Government held conferences in Glasgow last week to try and tackle the problem.

Miles Briggs MSP said: “Whilst the number of people treated by Alcohol and Drug Partnerships (ADPs) in Edinburgh and the Lothian has remained roughly the same, the type of drugs being treated for has noticeably changed.

“It is reassuring that fewer people are being treated for heroin at ADPs, but the increase in the number of people being treated for cocaine is very worrying.

“Patients who are attending Alcohol and Drug Partnerships must be seen as soon as possible to get treatment and give them the best possible chance of recovery.

“In the Lothians and across Scotland there has been a record number of people who are dying from drug abuse. There needs to be a shift towards recovery and rehabilitation and all parties must work together to reverse this trend.”

Coronavirus: Workplace advice

New guidance on coronavirus (COVID-19) has been published that includes workplace advice.

It contains guidance for non-healthcare settings, including tips that apply to people working in hotels and hospitality, leisure facilities, entertainment venues and premises used by community groups.

It has general basic hygiene measures and advice from Health Protection Scotland on preventing the spread of infection and includes:

• routine cleaning and disinfection of frequently touched objects and surfaces such as telephones, keyboards, door handles, desks and tables

• basic hand washing highlighted as the most effective way of preventing the spread of infection. Hand hygiene promoted by ensuring staff, contractors, service users and visitors have access to hand washing facilities and alcohol-based hand rub, where available

• crockery and cutlery in shared kitchen areas should be cleaned with warm water and detergent and dried thoroughly

• ensuring food such as crisps and sandwiches should not be left open for communal sharing unless individually wrapped

Fiona Hyslop, Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Fair Work and Culture, said: “This publication has been circulated following general guidance on basic preventative measures against coronavirus and specific guidance for educational settings.

“It contains clear, practical guidance that will ensure workplace staff have the latest information about COVID-19 and how we can all help prevent it from spreading.

“We are well-prepared for an outbreak in Scotland, but the public has a vital role to play in helping us contain any positive cases by keeping themselves informed, and following basic hygiene precautions.

“That includes hand-washing, not touching their faces unless their hands are clean and covering their nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing then putting the tissue in the bin.”

A copy of COVID-19 Guidance for Non- Healthcare Settings can be found here.

Further additional guidance and information, including links to guidance for travellers and the general public, can also be found on HPS’ COVID-19 page.

The latest numbers of test results are published at 2pm each day on the Scottish Government website.

Common symptoms of coronavirus include:

• high temperature or fever
• cough
• shortness of breath

Updates on public health advice for coronavirus can be found on the NHS Inform website, and a free helpline has been set up for those who do not have symptoms but are looking for general health advice: 0800 028 2816.

For anyone who is planning to travel abroad, guidance can be found on fitfortravel. Where a COVID-19 risk is identified, country pages will be updated.

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Women’s mental health hit by financial worries

Research shows women more likely to suffer from poor mental health than men thanks to heightened financial concerns – and young women hit worst

Women suffer from greater money worries than men, a study has shown this International Women’s Day.

Research has revealed that just under half (41%) of working women in the UK have money worries, a figure that dips significantly down to less than a third (32%) for men.

Statistically, the figure is also higher in younger women with 55 per cent of women aged 16-24 reporting money worries, and 53 per cent of those aged 25-34.

The recently reported research was carried out by Salary Finance, an employee financial wellbeing platform, and also revealed the shocking impact of these figures on women’s mental health.

The stats show that women with money worries are much more likely than their male counterparts with the same concerns to be suffering sleepless nights (51% to 43%), anxiety and panic attacks (62% versus 57%) and are more likely to have depression and suicidal thoughts (71% versus 65%).

These figures mean that when compared to those with no money worries women with financial concerns are over five times more likely to have anxiety and nearly seven times more likely to have depression. For men with financial worries, it is far less – they are 1.3 times more likely to say they’re suffering from anxiety and/or depression due to financial problems.

It’s also more likely that you will run out of money before pay day if you’re a woman, according to these statistics. Over a third (34%) of women are running out of money before pay day each month, compared to just under a quarter (24%) of men. Younger women were again much more highly impacted, being much more likely to run out of money before pay day.

Of course, the impact of maternity leave is keenly felt by the female workforce. Of those surveyed that took maternity or paternity leave, a massive 73 per cent of women said they took on additional debt as a result, compared to just 27 per cent of men. Yet resulting childcare costs did not cause significantly higher levels of stress for women.

Asesh Sarkar, CEO and co-founder of Salary Finance, commented: “In 2020 it’s disheartening to see such a discrepancy between financial wellbeing in men and women. Our extensive research has shown the crippling impact that money worries can have on the UK workforce, and see these figures that show women suffer much more.”

Although there were many differences the survey did reveal that there are no notable differences in the approach to savings between women and men, suggesting attitudes and behaviour play a far bigger role in saving habits than gender.

Another similarity between men and women was an apparent unwillingness to discuss their finances. This highlights a general attitude rather than a gender-specific issue.

Asesh added: “Whilst the figures show that women are suffering more as a result of poor financial wellbeing, it’s important to remember that financial stress and concerns affects a wide range of people, regardless of gender, age or salary.

“There is a need to tackle the stigma attached to discussing financial concerns and this is where financial solutions in the workplace can help. It is therefore important for employers to take an interest in the financial health of their employees.

“Our research has shown that around 77 per cent of workers feel they can trust their employer when it comes to sharing personal information. This really highlights the role that employers can play when it comes to tackling the issue of poor financial wellbeing amongst the UK workforce.”

Penumbra ralses self-harm awareness

Leading mental health charity, Penumbra, last week hosted a special event to mark self-harm awareness day.

Penumbra is a leading mental health charity providing a range of support services across Scotland to around 1800 people each week. Penumbra works with partners across 18 local authority areas to provide innovative mental health support in a community setting.

Our compassionate and highly skilled recovery teams work with the people we support to create tailored and person focussed strategies that give practical steps towards recovery. Using our I.ROC wellbeing toolkit, our ‘whole person’ approach is based on the rights of the people we support through choice, dignity and the expectation of recovery.

Penumbra is an Alliance partner of Future Pathways, which arranges support for people who experienced abuse or neglect while in care as children.

The charity’s Edinburgh service has operated the a Self-Harm Project since 2005. It currently provides:

1:1 Therapeutic support sessions to enable people who self harm or with suicidal ideation to cope with crisis and trauma by exploring their emotions and concerns in a confidential setting. Support is provided by multi-disciplinary team including therapists and specialist peer workers.
Information, advice and support for parents, carers, family and friends who are affected by, concerned about and informally supporting people who self harm.
Skin Camouflage Service to help people affected by scarring gain confidence by using specialist camouflage products and techniques, building confidence
Facilitated Group Workshops (community or other location based) for those who are in contact with people who self harm.
Training Sessions for professionals and those who support people who self harm.
Awareness Raising Sessions for professionals and those who support people who self harm.
Training Day for organisations.

Assistant Service Manager for the self-harm project, Samantha Harrison, commented: “The Edinburgh Self Harm Project works with people who are at risk of suicide and self-harm, and we provide a safe and non-judgemental environment where people can explore their issues about self-harm in confidence.

“We’re often the first opportunity people have had to talk about these issues in a compassionate and sensitive setting.

“Self-harm is a complex issue so everything we do is person centred and we very much see our project as a user-led where we take a holistic approach in looking at all aspects of someone’s life, rather than just focussing on injuries. What’s really beneficial to us as a team is that some of our colleagues are employed as Peer Workers who are able to use their lived experience to support people through recovery.

Support Manager for the self-harm project, Ran Majumder, added: “We were delighted that Sunday’s event was a great success with no empty seats and we want people to continue the conversation about self-harm long after it.

“We hope the event helped to shine a spotlight on self-harm, by providing a forum where members of the public and professionals alike were able to gain invaluable insight into the issues surrounding self-harm from our team.”

ARMED short-listed for care award

ARMED, developed by HAS Technology, has been shortlisted as part of the Tomorrow’s Care Awards, an accolade that champions life-changing care technology that benefits both staff members and end-users.

Proudly developed in Scotland, by a local team, ARMED was developed in collaboration with Edinburgh Napier University and Scotland’s Digital and Health Institute (DHI).

Set to commend and recognise the revolutionary work of the teams behind the products, the awards identify the most noteworthy care solutions in the industry for 2020.

Tomorrow’s Care has shortlisted ARMED (Advanced Risk Modelling for Early Detection) as one of their finalists due to the innovative approach the technology has had in assisting people to live more independently and to reduce falls and associated hospital admissions.

ARMED uses wearable technology to measure data associated with frailty and risk of falling, enabling those managing care to intervene at earlier stages, preventing more significant health risks. It also promotes self-management by making people more aware of a variety of indicators.

A number of Scottish Councils have been instrumental with initially testing the technology and it was recently piloted with Scotland’s Loreburn Housing Association. The project saw successful results in just six months, with zero falls reported with the case study group.

Brian Brown, Director of ARMED at HAS Technology Group, commented: “We are always striving to improve the lives of those receiving care and support and are thrilled our ARMED technology is being recognised across the UK, and not only in Scotland.

“This nomination is testament to the hard work of each and every one of our team and we are thrilled to see digital transformation being embraced by the sector with an increased priority to improving lives, increasing independence and preventing health issues before they arise.”

With a proven success rate, as well as being in the 1% of companies chosen to be a Microsoft partner, ARMED has quickly expanded, demonstrating how AI and deep learning can revolutionise preventative care.

People are asked and encouraged to vote for the social care technology provider by visiting the Tomorrow’s Care website and clicking ‘Tomorrow’s Care Awards’.

Voters will then have the opportunity to read more about the finalists before clicking the link through to the voting page where they can submit their choice. Voting closes on Friday 13th March.

To vote for ARMED in the Tomorrow’s Care Awards, visit: https://www.tomorrowscare.co.uk/awards

ARMED has also been recently announced as a finalist in the Digital Health and Care Awards and Scottish Knowledge Exchange Awards.

To find out more about ARMED technology, visit https://www.armedprevention.co.uk/

New approach to informing stroke research priorities

The Stroke Association is calling on people affected by stroke in Scotland to have their say on what stroke research should be taking place.

There are over 14,000 strokes every year in Scotland and about 128,000 stroke survivors rebuilding their lives. For the first time, the Stroke Association is funding an ambitious new project to determine the future of stroke research.

The Stroke Association is working with stroke survivors and their carers, health and social care bodies, the James Lind Alliance, Chest, Heart and Stroke Scotland and other charities to deliver a set of priorities for stroke research that work best for the people that matter most.

Andrea Cail, Director Scotland at the Stroke Association, said: “Stroke happens in the brain, the control centre for who we are and what we can do. It affects people differently, it could be anything ranging from affecting speech and physical ability, to affecting your emotions and personality.

“The good news is that stroke research continues to find new treatments, and also ways to improve how we can help more people live independently in their own home, return to work and rebuild lives.

“However, we want future stroke research to address the things that matter most to everyone affected by stroke and make the biggest difference to the lives of stroke survivors. Through this initiative we will develop a defined set of research priorities for stroke. But, if we are to be successful, we need everyone in Scotland who has been affected by stroke to engage with this project.

“If you’re a stroke survivor, or support a loved one who has had a stroke, this is your chance to make your views and voices heard. We invite you to get involved as stroke impacts on so many people in our communities.

“Our survey is open to those closely affected by stroke, from stroke survivors and the family members who support them, to people who work with stroke survivors.”

Ruth Lyle, from Hawick who had a stroke in 2017 and is involved in the project said: “I really welcome the move the charity is making in involving people affected by stroke to come up with a set of research priorities.

“I took an interest in being a member of the Steering Group because there are certain areas of stroke that I think we need to know more about. All those affected by stroke – not just researchers – should get the opportunity to feed into this piece of work.

“We need to know what is important to those individuals. I would encourage people affected by stroke to get involved with the JLA project and complete this short survey to tell us what stroke issues matter most to you.”

The Stroke Association has been at the forefront of stroke research for the past 30 years. In Scotland, the charity funded early research into thrombectomy, the game-changing treatment that can gives stroke patients a better chance of living the best life they can after stroke.

The Stroke Association also continues to fund cutting-edge research in Scotland. For example, they are currently funding research into how those affected by stroke can be supported to manage their recovery more independently, as well as research looking specifically at managing the devastating effects of stroke on mental well-being, like depression and anxiety.

Have your say for stroke and find out more about the James Lind Alliance Priority Setting Partnership at: www.stroke.org.uk/jla.

Your questions can help the Stroke Association and our partners(ii) influence stroke research and answer the questions that matter most to the people affected.

For more information and to have your say visit: www.stroke.org.uk/jla

Get talking about the JLA PSP on social media using the #MySayforStroke